Susan Silma is a lawyer and former regulator with a deep understanding of the client perspective. She is passionate about simplifying and humanizing the client experience in financial services, while navigating the complex regulatory environment and promoting compliance.
In turbulent times, people need to hear from their advisors
Exceed their expectations with high-quality meetings, proactive communication and more
Make the most of tech with these tips for advisors, firms and providers
It’s time to think differently about retired clients
Let’s use principles-based regulation to clients’ advantage
Use these tips to build an approach that engages clients and inspires referrals
It’s time to think differently about client communications and disclosure documents
Ideas for advisors and firms to address the challenge
Six ideas to fill the service gap and grow your business
Too many firms don't want them and too few Gen Zs care — a new York University study offers an idea
International trade is so dependent on China that a superpower trade war is just as bad as a global one
Company president and CEO Damon Murchison says Trump's trade war is an opportunity for Canada
Draft changes risk driving up insurance premiums and making early settlement more difficult in advisor loss cases
Losses have been claimed for cryptocurrency derivatives traded without a prospectus
Planner-client relationships thrive on communication and confidence
We must continue to ensure the integrity of the profession, and strengthen Canadians’ trust in it
Professional planners have a vital role to play in helping underserved Canadians
Financial planners continue to adapt to a whirlwind of new developments in recent years
In turbulent times, people need to hear from their advisors
Exceed their expectations with high-quality meetings, proactive communication and more
Make the most of tech with these tips for advisors, firms and providers
It’s time to think differently about retired clients
5 dos and don’ts to help your clients and protect your licence
Protect your business and reputation by managing these 5 risks
Three steps to reduce the risk and pain of advisor partnership breakups
Risks when partnering with other financial advisors
President Trump’s America First policies represent a ground shift, but it’s never a good idea to chase headlines
Market uncertainty calls for neutral portfolio positioning, rebalancing
Bank of Canada and the Fed strive to keep inflation at bay without tipping the economy into recession
Balanced portfolios favouring bonds will help investors ride out economic uncertainty
Correlated markets demand a new best practice in portfolio construction: 40/30/30
These five strategies enhance tax efficiency in non-registered accounts
Defensively constructed portfolios can outperform in the long run
Column: Reconsider the assumption that government bonds outperform during equity sell-offs
Both tax and administrative considerations need to be managed
Here’s your helpful guide to advising clients on a complex estate sales process
Financial advisors can address property challenges, encourage clarity in wills
Optional returns may reduce or eliminate your client’s taxes
Client-facing technology plays a vital role in achieving organic growth
Engage younger investors on their terms
Advisor time constraints, attrition are controllable factors
This growth opportunity requires freeing advisors from time constraints and meeting demand for hybrid advice
Government policies must align with economic realities and demographic trends
IFIC panel discusses ESG disclosures, fund sales and international collaboration
Conference Board of Canada report details industry’s economic impact
Opinion: Education should be widely accessible and relevant to today’s youth
They’re not right for all clients though, and not all advisors either
Continued growth and innovation are expected
Why one portfolio manager believes ETFs have revolutionized the investment landscape
Permanent insurance also has a host of other tax benefits
Primarily using ETFs has helped one advisor to make better investment decisions, but she attributes some success to a powerful non-financial practice
Agency provides examples of when income-earning purpose is met
Taxpayer penalized for overcontribution after relying on My Account information
Advisors should speak to clients annually about crystallization
In one case, failure to report resulted in an overcontribution penalty
Public database of proxy voting records aims to better align asset managers and owners
Evolving expectations leave some managers struggling
Opinion: The backlash has limited prospects for four reasons
The goal is to create a common language for the issuance of financial instruments
Federal budget did little to invigorate sluggish investment spending
Tech, profound shocks have changed investor behaviour
A new approach is needed to replace failed government programs
Regulators require internal compliance expertise
Regulatory efficiency saves costs and ultimately benefits investors
Advisors play an important role in enhancing resiliency
The best solution to the complex transition may be flexibility
The delivery of policy shouldn’t be a last step
Get the inside scoop, from fund features to volatility and risk
Volatility is stressful but not novel, and ETFs can work in a jarring investing climate
An enhanced Canadian ESG identification framework is advancing on a foundation of international and domestic norms
The CFRs are really about formalizing and documenting processes to prove they’re followed
Identify companies that understand the difference
Help clients identify companies with meaningful purpose
The increase in ESG reporting hasn’t been accompanied by improvements to society and the environment
The communities most affected by changing climatic conditions are the least likely to be invited to participate in discussions
Services include addressing investor requirements and mitigating compliance risk
Alain Brisebois of CWP Energy discusses these often-misunderstood products
Erika Toth of BMO Global Asset Management shares her thoughts on the ETF landscape
Vincent Beaulieu of Fiera Capital discusses his firm’s approach to ESG analysis
In his final column, Cary List shares his thoughts on the future of financial planning
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada’s renewed national strategy for financial literacy can help Canadians focus on the future
Financial planners can play a key role in rebuilding Canadians’ confidence
A new regulatory framework, years in the making, is an opportunity for Ontario to be a model for other provinces